Game Fun

Fun in Games
Source: pixnio.com

Hi!

This week we've got another reading,  'Kinds of Fun, Kinds of Players'. You know what that means, fun but not that fun. Actually, this weeks article writes about fun and how fun is just really another word for learning. The article refers back to the' MDA Framework ' article and the list that the authors wrote. The list of 8 kinds of fun includes,

1. Sensation - Describes how games can engage the senses directly.
2. Fantasy - Games can provide a make-believe world, one that is more interesting than the real world.                          
3. Narrative - Talks about how games can involve stories, ones that are embedded by the designers       or the emerging kinds of stories that are created by players actions.
4. Challenge - Games can derive their fun largely from the thrill of competition.
5. Fellowship - Fellowships describes how many games have a highly social component to them.
6. Discovery - Found particularly in exploration type games and in adventure focused games, this one allows players to uncover new things making things fun.
7. Expression - Refers to the ability to express yourself through gameplay. Making the way you act at least as important as what other actions you take within a game.
8. Submission - Intent is games as an ongoing hobby rather than an isolated event.

Another article I've read titled ' 9 Essential Elements for Fun in Games ' written by Abhijit Kadle. He writes about his opinion on the different elements for fun in games and gives a list of 9 elements. The articles describes the perception of fun as a moving target and how it's difficult to say X elements in a game promote fun.
Some of the essential elements in fun games are:

- The opportunities to allow for various types of gameplay within a solid mechanic.
- A games environment needs to provide space or a sense of space that prompts the player to explore.
- Every game must necessarily include a range of challenges.

I found both articles to be interesting because they both described fun in different ways. Going forward I will remember these different aspects when making my game to make sure its more fun.
Thanks for reading